Most public figures, organisations and many individuals have their own channel through which they promote themselves and their views. Considering that many videos can boast of over a million views from people, it is safe to say it's influence is not only relevant but much bigger then we give it credit for at times.
How does this relate to news you ask? Take a look at today's news: Snoop Dogg YouTube "tributes" a welsh gardener for setting the record for the largest swede.
A few months ago, Antoine Dodson's news story started off as a simple interview but then turned into a viral YouTube sensation with his "Bed Intruder" song.
Similar to the live blogging event assessment in QUTOJ1, news media conferences can also be found on youtube such as the media conference of Daniel Morcombe's case breakthrough as Queensland Police Service's have their own YouTube channel. Their channel also includes footage of Anna Bligh's media conference in the occurence of the Brisbane floods. Overseas, the US ABC news have their own channel, broadcasting the recent evidence of Michael Jackson's trial. Australia's own NewsAustralia also broadcast their news stories on their channel.
And with the access of YouTube on your laptop, iPhone (or smartphone) and iPad, it can be virtually accessed ANYWHERE- giving bonus points to the online realm.
The benefits as a journo is that theseYouTube videos can also often be used as footage for online news stories as well as references for quotes, etc. proving the internet giant is a lot more than just a tool to spread viral videos.
Now how many of you have jumped onto YouTube right now? I know I have.
W. x
